Community Corner

As Seasons Change, Sandy Aid Remains Fashionable

Fashion Delivers teamed up with local organizations to hand out approximately $1.2 million in clothing and supplies to Hurricane Sandy victims.

The immediate needs of post-Hurricane Sandy recovery have largely been met. Residents have found temporary shelter, have made it through the winter thanks to donations of food and other supplies, and progress towards rebuilding lives continues every day.

But that doesn’t mean that there’s no longer a need.

On Saturday, Fashion Delivers, along with several other local volunteers organizations, distributed $1.2 million worth of shoes, toys, and clothing to residents still struggling to recovery following Sandy. The effort is part of the second stage of Sandy relief, which seeks to meet the changing needs of a prolonged recovery.

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“The need is still there,” Peter Paris, marketing director for Fashion Delivers said. “Sandy victims have dealt with their immediate needs, but those who lost everything have to address the needs that come along with a new season.”

Paris said Fashion Delivers, along with its partner Kids in Distressed Situations, or KIDS, have worked to deliver supplies to Sandy victims beginning in November. In all, Paris said more than $43 million worth of merchandise, donated by a number of companies, has been distributed to the storm’s victims.

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The distribution drive was hosted in the gymnasium of Toms River’s First United Methodist Church. Dozens of residents – the first of several hundred that would make their way through the numerous tables filled with blankets, pillows, toiletries, shoes, toys, and books – lined up outside of the building and waited for the doors to first open.

“It was emotional,” Terri Forbes, a volunteer and member of Boscov’s public relations, said. “These families, many of them with multiple children, they’re so very grateful. They’re very thankful.

“There were a lot of tears.”

Representatives from Boscov’s were on hand to measure children’s feet and hand out nearly 8,000 pairs of shoes donated to the Sandy relief effort by show manufacturer Skechers.

Though she was there to assist Sandy victims, Toni Barnett, store manager for Ocean County Boscov’s, said the emotional feelings went both ways.

“You feel privileged as well as honored to be able to help serve the people in your community,” she said.


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